User-led design – the central theme of the 4th International Longevity Forum

On October 6 and 7, 2016, the International Longevity Centre Brazil (ILC-Brazil) held the 4th International Longevity Forum with Bradesco Seguros being the main sponsor. The Forum also counts on the support of Galderma and other institutional partners (SBGG, UnATi/UERJ and the Global Alliance of ILCs).

The Forum, which discussed the role of technology and design in an ageing society, brought together over 30 national and international experts from fields ranging from architecture to social work and from cosmology to tourism. The Forum was videotaped and an edited version of the presentations will become available in due course.

Another product, a blueprint or manifesto, is also being elaborated with the support of a group of designers. Two core components of the Active Ageing Policy Framework will inform and guide the process toward the creation of this document – the protagonism of older adults and the adoption of a comprehensive life-course perspective. The hope is to prompt younger professionals in the design and technology arenas to reflect on their own ageing and to find inspiration in the opportunities presented to everyone by age neutral or age-friendly design – i.e. design that is friendly to all ages. Additionally, it is hoped that this document will act as a license for older adults to reassess their relationship to design and to assert their role in the design process.

As a tangible product of the 4th International Longevity Forum, the document is intended to guide researchers, service and product developers from both the private and public spheres, entrepreneurs, businesses and the general public. The central principal is that services, products, information, communications and their applications must be developed on the needs, the demands and the partnership of all ultimate users, including older adults.